There is high interest in new polymer synthesis routes, topologies, mechanisms, and applications. The choices for synthesis go from linear, grafted, and hyperbranched systems. However, there are many other topologies that are of high interest because of its relevance: from understanding entanglement behavior to a practical understanding of polymer viscosity limits. Macromolecular architectures based on cyclic polymerization routes can be achieved by ring-closure or ring-expansion routes. This talk will focus on our approach to the macromolecular synthesis of catenanes, macrocycles, and knots based on a rational design of supramolecular macroinitiators that template the ring closure and ring expansion in living polymerization mechanism. We also employ a number of macromolecular and surface characterization studies to define successful synthesis strategies. The end goal is to produce higher throughput synthetic methods that can unlock the utility or rationally entangled and knotted polymers.

Cyclic and supramolecular architectures via knotty templates

2019 Fall National Meeting

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